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Alabama, W.Va. voters approve anti-abortion amendments

Voters in Alabama and West Virginia approved sweeping amendments to state constitutions that could put major limitations on access to abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court.

Alabama's amendment makes it state policy to protect “the rights of unborn children” and “support the sanctity of unborn life.” It also says there are no constitutional protections for a woman’s right to an abortion.

West Virginia narrowly passed a similar amendment that states nothing in the state Constitution "secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion." That vote was 52 percent to 48 percent.

Proponents of the amendments say the measures signal the opinions of voters, and would not have any impact under current law.

The amendments, however, could lay the groundwork for the states to make abortions illegal if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, or leaves decisions on abortion to individual states.